Flight Log

Real World Planning Example – With and Without JDA WLM

In the supply chain world, no two days are alike. The implementation and use of software such as JDA Warehouse Labor Management (JDA WLM, formerly known as RedPrairie Workforce Management) can change the way an operation measures, plans, tracks and reacts.

I ask my shipping and receiving clerks for a count of cases/pallets released and scheduled for the shift. Based on my familiarity with the operation, I estimated needing ten users for outbound (shipping) activity.

For putaway, I’m told there is a total pallet count of 600 pallets to be unloaded and putaway. Again, based on my familiarity with operations, I calculate that I’ll need four users unloading and four users putting product away (each at a rate of 20 units per hour). During my pre-shift, I assign users accordingly.

Five hours later, I’m surprised to see there are still 450 pallets to be unloaded and putaway. I begin to investigate and learn that there were two unexpected deliveries as well as multiple pallets that required re-stacking during inbound processing. I now will either pick less outbound product, or will incur overtime to complete my shifts’ tasks.

With JDA WLM

I have arrived 15 minutes prior to pre-shift meetings and can see on my tablet the projected work for the day.

I review my shifts’ performance metrics in JDA WLM from the previous day and based on the systems calculations, I assign users to inbound and outbound tasks and receive estimated completion times based on historical performance.

To assure my estimated completion times remain consistent as work is completed, I glance at my refreshed tablet display of JDA WLM roughly every 30 minutes. Because of this refresh, I notice very quickly that my inbound volume has increased and shift one resource to handle the additional load.

With real-time notifications from JDA WLM, I also see that one user is requesting additional time to re-stack inbound product and address the request with the user immediately.

The scenarios in this series are just a few examples of how JDA Warehouse Labor Management System (JDA WLM) can change the way every level of your supply chain operates day-to-day. JDA WLM is a tool that can be used to monitor, repair, renovate or revolutionize your operation. Contact Open Sky Group today to start using JDA WLM or expand your use of an existing instance (i.e., if you have an older version of RedPrairie Workforce Management).

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